Greatest living rock artist?

[Troy]

Ask Bono, he knows.

[kexodusc]

Ronnie
James
Dio


(or at least the artist that does his album covers).

[ForeverAutumn]

Ask Bono, he knows.

LMAO!

[newtrix1]

Ask Bono, he knows.

I'm sure your sarcasm detector was pegged when you posted Bono, but in reality he's a better choice than my noms. I can't imagine another band (worldwide) that could fill a stadium or sell out a show quicker than U2. I'd wager to say that they're the most popular current band in the world, and Mr. Bono is by far the most notable member.

[MasterCylinder]

Sir McCartney..................without question.

[nobody]

Interesting question from the standpoint that the greatest living and the current greatest rock start are not likely the same.

For greatest living, I may be inclined to go with someone like Jerry Lee Lewis...still alive, although pretty much out of the picture (although I've heard rumors of a new record in the works for a couple years now). He's one of rock's founding fathers and had enough attitude and style for forty rock stars to share, all rolled up into one fella. The Killer was the original rock and roll wild man, making even early Elvis Presley look tame.

Unfortunately, most of the really big names are either on the decline by now or off the maps. I mean, while U2 may be the most popular rock band right now, they're hardly at the peak of their powers in my estimation. And, maybe your town is different, but I rarely see a rock band that is popular enough to come through and play the really big venues anymore unless as part of a festival or if they're one of the older past-their-prime acts like the Rolling Stones or something similar. (U2s at the crossroads to me - same with Springsteen) Practically all current rock bands, even those hitting their prime, play small to mid-sized venues, so I can't really place too great value on popularity, although obscurity and rock star aren't exactly complimentary terms.

I might have to say someone like Jack White. He's a highly visable front man for one of the more popular rock bands out there today. The White Stripes are arguably still at or at least not far removed from their creative peak. To me, they have been pretty much setting the standard for modern rock music the past several years. He's a creative force both instrumentally and vocally, as well as the band's songwriter and has showed enourmous range in writing and producing work for others as well, including the fantastic return-to-the-spotlight album from Loretta Lynn, Van Lear Rose.

If I stretch the definition of rock and go into hip hop or electronic music, maybe I come up with some competition. But, if I'm looking for someone who fits no label other than a rock star, is still performing at his best, has at least enough popularity to garner a decent amount of recognition, isn't on the last legs of a fading career, has consistiently produced quality music, and can just flat out bring the noise...I gotta go with Jack White.